Manchester Town Hall and Imperial War Museum, North West: Monica and Ommid

Ommid and Monica met when Ommid was looking to buy his first apartment. He wasn't happy with his solicitor who was dealing with the process so decided to find a new one, and that's how the pair met and how their love story came about. Monica said it was love at first sight when she saw Ommid and seeing them together it is obvious that they are made for each other.

Documentary photography during bridal preperations.

Monica got ready at her parents house in Manchester while Ommid was getting ready at their flat in Salford-Quays. As soon as they'd booked a 2nd photographer for their wedding I asked fellow photographer friend Andy Griffith as I knew he'd do a great job at catching the guys getting ready and having met a few times at different photography meet-ups knew we'd work well together. They'd also asked if I could recommend a videographer for the day and I didn't hesitate to ask my friend Mike from Satin-Pictures if he was free. The 3 of us working together made an awesome combo! Be sure to check out Mikes video at the end of the blog!!

Monica's parents were super welcoming when I arrived giving us a range of Iranian sweets to try out and of course a cup of tea to start the day. Having met Monica before the wedding when they originally got in touch and again at their pre-wedding shoot it was like working for a friend and we had a great time during the morning capturing natural moments of her getting ready, her bridesmaids and when the guys arrived to pick them up.

Stunning sights at manchester town hall.

They chosen Manchester Town Hall to say their vows, a stunning building both inside and out that is full of gothic character and charm. The stage was set and unlike traditional weddings Ommid met Monica in the reception area where they laughed with each other before the service was to start. It was lovely to capture that first look when they saw each other and it still didn't stop Monica getting a little teary as she came down the aisle to Ommid!

The service was witnessed by their close friends and family and was full of smiles and laughter from everyone who was there.

After the wedding service we headed into the town centre to capture some couple portraits of the newly weds. Manchester can offer some amazing urban locations that show off the city while the Town Hall offers some darker, gothic opportunities giving you a good mixture of images.

Let the party begin at the imperial war museum.

Once we'd finished in the centre it was then back over to Salford-Quays for an outfit change and some food before heading over to the Imperial War Museum where the evening reception was to take place. Ommid, a tech lover like me, had picked this venue as it had 24 HD projectors around the venue allowing him to project different videos on different areas of the venue. He'd spent hours making incredible videos and stills to display around the venue and it added a real personal touch to the setting.

Before heading over I managed to capture a second lot of bridal preparations as Monica changed for the evening to a more traditional Iranian look and also managed to sneak a picture of Ommid as he picked up a cheeky Nandos take out!

The night over at the Museum was stunning from start to finish with great speeches, amazing food and some traditional dancing. It's always a pleasure to witness how different cultures celebrate and Ommid was more than happy to explain to us what was happening and why.

Truly an awesome pair and an awesome celebration... We've already said we'd catch up down the line over a Nandos!

If you're looking for a wedding photographer to capture your special day in Wigan or around the North West then be sure to get in touch!